This is Gamzatti's Variation from La Bayadere. Defne is a student of Zeynep Okçu Ballet…in Turkey. She is 16 years old on this performance. She has already won many awards in international competitions. This video is recorded at New Prague Dance Festival Competition 2009.Read More

This is Kitri's variation from 1st Act of Don Quichotte. Semiha is a student of…Okçu Ballet School in Turkey and she is 12 years old in this performance. She has already won a bronze medal at Dance World Cup Canada 2008. This video is recorded at New Prague Dance Festival Competition 2009.Read More

Pirouette Class 1 - Finis JhungJanuary 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on Instructional
DESCRIPTION What's the first thing a dancer does, after finishing barre? A pirouette, of course.…wants to turn, because it looks like so much fun and obviously demonstrates skill. Now you can begin to turn, without fear, by studying how Michele Wiles, today a Principal Dancer of The American Ballet Theatre, prepares for her pirouettes. It's not that you can't turn, it's just that you're not doing "the right thing." So, learn to do what Michele does, in real time, slow motion, and freeze frame, and those pirouettes will never get away from you again! You'll be able to fix problems immediately. We've also added breakdowns that clear up the difference between the waltz step and the balancé. And, you'll be amazed when you see how Michele flies through the air with pas de bourrée sauté. It boggles the mind. CUSTOMER COMMENTS "Until I saw this video, I hadn't realized how the pirouette is such a gateway for understanding movement. The most powerful lesson that improved my turns right away was the demonstration of the 'turning of the plié.' This video transforms the believable mechanics of the pirouette into the power of dance." - Pat Browne, P.Eng, Ottawa Canada "I love your video! I like the way you explain in detail the 'hows and whys' of center combinations with pirouettes. The advice dispensed is invaluable. Im really thrilled. A big THANK YOU!" - Judith Tham, Adult Student, Singapore "Your instructional technique has been a great benefit to me as a person who took up ballet in mid-life. My work environment is very stressful. Dance has been an enjoyable release for me, and your instruction has enriched my dance experience." - John Daly, airline pilot, Kirkland, WA "I love your video and your approach to teaching - it makes sense. It is what I have believed all along. My ballet haters are getting interested, and my bun heads are in heaven." - Deborah Stanton-Bianca, New England Dance Academy, Attleboro, MA "The precise filming of every part of the body and slow motion footage going into a turn is absolutely spectacular! " - Margilyn Valle, Ballet Midwest, St. Louis, MO "This video is full of valuable information! Using it has has given me knowledge and a better technique, and has made significant changes in the way I now dance. Thank you, Finis!" - Rachida Dukes, Adult Student, Alexandra, VA "Buying videos on the internet is like a blind date - you don't really know what you are going to get, and have to trust what you've been told. Well, I am so happy to say that what I got was wonderful! 'Pirouette Class 1' is a new and fresh way to look at turns. I like the way you explain the pirouette, and so do my students." - Mrs. Willy Knopper- van Duuren, balletschool "De Dansacker" Pijnacker, The Netherlands Purchase the Pirouette Class 1 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=75.Read More

The Art of Pointework Level 5: Pirouettes - Finis JhungJanuary 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on Instructional
DESCRIPTION Finis shows and explains each exercise, 15-year-old Saige demonstrates on both sides, Finis comments…analyzes, and then Saige repeats the exercise. This video is all about the preparations that create the results. Watch how Saige turns her plié and rolls through her feet. As she starts dancing across the floor, notice how Saige places and works her plié and pushes with her feet, which results in beautifully placed triple pirouettes en dehors. Finis and Saige then concentrate on the en dedans pirouette, showing you how to prepare for these tricky turns so that you will really get on your leg and turn with ease. Besides giving you technical instructions and demonstrations on everything from simple pirouettes to grand pirouettes en dedans, Finis has also choreographed some of the exercises so that you can work on your dancing skills. And, of course, Saige works on the ballerina's "bread & butter" steps — piqué turns and fouetté turns. After Saige shows her single fouetté turns, she goes on and does doubles. Dance, Ballerina, Dance! CUSTOMER COMMENTS "I wish I had had your teaching tools years ago. You've enabled me to teach my students in a way I never have before. Thank you." - Laurie Levasseur, Laurie's School of Dance, Winslow, ME "I love The Art of Pointework videos. I have utilized many different teaching enhancement videos over the years, and have come to appreciate quality teaching tips that work. Your videos reinforce good technique combined with the artistry and musicality that is the essence of dance. Combined with your beautifully orchestrated CD's, who wouldnt be inspired?" - Patti Moore, Director, Creative Dance Arts, Clifton Park, NY Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 5: Pirouettes DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=72.Read More

DESCRIPTION Reviewing Michele's debut as the ballerina in Balanchine's Theme & Variations at The Metropolitan…House in New York City, Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times said "Ms. Wiles tore through the demanding ballet like a colt, newly released and running free . . . her big open torso and appetite for space were a pleasure." Now, we're talking Balanchine, which is the fastest pointework on earth. How does Michele do it? What enables her to dazzle the audience and critics? This video shows you the "secrets." You'll be amazed when you see what Michele does in slow motion, close-up, and freeze frame. The beauty and precision of her pointe work is riveting and eye-opening. Finis analyzes all of her movements, so that you can understand and apply what you see and hear. Tobi Tobias of New York Magazine said that Michele is "a big, bold blonde on her way to stardom." If you'd like to get reviews like that, I'd study this video seriously. CUSTOMER COMMENTS "I have never seen any one hammer home with such clarity the tenets of good pointe technique. I like how Finis makes it clear that this is about dancing, and not just placement and positions. He clears up any questions you might have about the execution of a step. He removes the 'smoke and mirrors' of technique, and shows the nuts and bolts, while still giving you a greater appreciation of the work that is involved and the art that is ballet." - Rebecca Witjes, Instructor, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica Dance Studio, Ballet by the Sea, Malibu, CA "I think that your approach to the audio-visual instruction is unique and superior to any that I have seen to date . . . Thank you for helping me to remember that technique can be taught, and can feel natural." - Alora Haynes, Santa Fe Community College Dance Department, Gainesville, FL "This video is similar in format to its companion video, The Art of Pointework Level 3, but its use of small jumps and turns on pointe in its centerwork combinations makes it appropriate for a somewhat more advanced ballet student. Exercises range in difficulty from 'Echappe, sous-sous, tombe, releve arabesque', to 'Continuous pirouettes from 5th position'. As in The Art of Pointework Level 3, each exercise is thoroughly explained with the aid of close-ups, slow-motions, freeze frames, and voice-overs, during which Mr. Jhung points out precisely what should be done, and calls attention to common mistakes that make it impossible to do the exercises correctly. And, this enlightening commentary, combined with the musical background provided by Scott Killian, and the superb manner in which ABT soloist Michele Wiles demonstrates the exercises, makes this video a delight to view and an invaluable learning instrument." - Carol Garmiza, Adult Student, New York, NY Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 4 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=71.Read More

DESCRIPTION This revolutionary new video shows Michele Wiles, today a critically acclaimed Principal Dancer of…American Ballet Theatre, in real time and slow motion. Each carefully planned exercise is first taught by Finis, then performed by Michele, analyzed in slow motion with detailed commentary by Finis, and repeated in real time. Some exercises feature close-up sections, as well as freeze frames. You'll see all the little details that will make a difference. For instance, you've got to get on the stage, and you've got to get off, and you're either going to have to walk or run, and we can't tell you how many times we've seen pretty dancers galumph on and off stage, as though their pointe shoes were bedroom slippers. Michele shows you how to do it correctly, so your first and last impressions will be memorable. Scott Killian's fresh and fabulous CD music accompanies each exercise. CUSTOMER COMMENTS "Your videos never cease to amaze me. Thanks for sharing so many secrets." - Denise Daniele, Denise Daniele Dance Studios, Brick, NJ "Your life philosophies combined with your dance beliefs have always made my heart and soul sing. Thank you for the passion you hold about dance and movement and for giving us the opportunity to soar -- both physically and spiritually!" - Colleen Murphy, Stage Door School of Dance, East Patchogue, NY "This DVD is an excellent aide for beginning students of pointe, regardless of age. It begins with some easy stretches that provide a safe warm-up for the feet and ankles, and then quickly moves to a series of pliés and relevés which emphasize the importance of smooth rolling foot movements, and correctly positioning the entire body for balance. As the video proceeds, the exercises grow progressively more challenging, demanding increased speed, coordination, and foot muscle strength. This DVD includes both barrework and center floor work, and I found its explanations and illustrations to be extremely helpful." - Carol Garmiza, Adult Student, New York, NY Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 3 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=70.Read More

Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 2 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=69. DESCRIPTION Finis explains each exercise,…you how it should be done, and Ashlee Knapp of The New York City Ballet does it, in her inimitable way. She is an absolute delight! Watch how beautifully she works her legs and feet, and how she moves with musical precision and lyrical delicacy. Slowly and surely, Finis and Ashlee take you through each exercise, giving you all the important ideas you need to know, so that you will steadily progress, and dance as the best professionals do. With great care, each exercise is presented and demonstrated so that you will learn to talk with your toes, as Ashlee does. You'll enjoy doing these exercises to Scott Killian's orchestrated music. It's magic time! CUSTOMER COMMENTS "This DVD is the greatest I've ever seen! Not only is there demonstration by a dancer, but Finis teaches you 'how to it' and his commentaries are understandable, even by a foreign teacher like me. My students and their mothers love it. I've found what I was looking for! Thank you, Finis, for this unique educational material!" - Simone Hock, Owner/Teacher, La Danza, Krombach, Germany "His knowledge, clarity, and love for dancers and the dance are inspiring." - Penny King, Stillpoint Dance Studio, Grants Pass, OR "This DVD is an excellent aide for beginning students of pointe, regardless of age. It begins with some easy stretches that provide a safe warm-up for the feet and ankles, and then quickly moves to a series of plies and releves, which emphasize the importance of smooth rolling foot movements, and correctly positioning the entire body for balance. As the video proceeds, the exercises grow progressively more challenging, demanding increased speed, coordination, and foot muscle strength. This DVD includes both barrework and center floor work, and I found its explanations and illustrations to be extremely helpful." - Carol Garmiza, Adult Student, New York, NY "Been working with your DVDs for the past two weeks and it has changed me. I have been more focused and aware during my ballet classes and in everyday life. I love how you explain and teach the movements in sequences and it has slowed me down to really think before I dance the move. Even my pointe work is getting better. Keep making the ballet world bigger and better!" —Stasha Becker, US Army EuropeRead More

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